Courier Friends to Follow

Developer scales back Jekyll Island plan

Special to the Courier

POSTED:October 22, 2008 5:00 a.m.

JEKYLL ISLAND - The board of directors of the Jekyll Island Authority Monday reviewed revised plans from Greensboro-based Linger Longer Communities for a beach village that will be a key part of the island's overall revitalization effort. The proposed plans will be submitted as an amendment to the island's master plan as the final step in approval of the village. The revised plan includes renovations and additions to the island's convention center, two new hotels, 30,000 square feet of retail space, a vacation ownership community and a new linear park and green space. Upon adoption, the JIA and Linger Longer estimate the beach village will be ready by summer 2011."Getting to this point in the revitalization of Jekyll Island has taken dedicated study, thorough planning and a lot of listening," said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority. "The Jekyll Island Authority Board has set policy that will protect the character and natural beauty of the island, and we feel like this team has created a plan that Georgians deserve."The JIA has undertaken a comprehensive revitalization effort for the island, which includes approximately $350 million in private sector investment and encompasses several redevelopment projects. In addition to the beach village, projects include three oceanfront properties: Jekyll Ocean Oaks, with a new Hampton Inn & Suites already under construction, Canopy Bluff, and the Jekyll Oceanfront Resort. The existing Jekyll Island Club Hotel also is spending $4 million on renovations and the addition of 5,000 square feet of meeting space."There are a lot of moving parts," Hooks said. "And we are pleased that everything is on track." "We are taking the necessary steps to balance the environmental protection of the island with the need to create a self-sustaining affordable destination that will serve Georgians for years to come," said Bob Krueger, chairman of the JIA board of directors.